Auxiliary metatarsal cushion for shoes



'Oct. 22, 1935; Aj SMITH JR 2,018,233

AUXILIARY METATARSAL CUSH ION FOR SHOES Filed Oct. 4, 1952 INVENTOR AZezander' 5mif/L,J/.

' 9 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 22, 1935 AUXILIARY METATAR-SAL CUSHION FORSHOES Alexander Smith, Jr., New York, N. Y.

Application October 4, 1932, Serial No. 636,101

1 Claim.

Among the principal objects which the present invention has in View are:To provide an auxiliary resilient cushion-like member adapted foroperative placement as desired, and needed, to relieve, and distribute,the pressure of the metatarsal elevation with which certain types ofshoes are provided, and to simplify the construction of said cushion.

Drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cushion constructed and arranged inaccordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of same-the the section being takenas on the line 22 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the same.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the device as installed for service upona shoe sole, part of the sole being cut away to show the cushion.

The present invention is especially designed as an accessory to themetatarsal arch supporting elevation provided in certain types of shoes.The supporting elevation referred to is located in the drawing by dottedlines as indicated by the numeral 9 in Figures 1 and 4. The elevation 9is embodied in the innersole of the types of shoes referred to, betweenthe lateral extremes of the metatarsal arch of the foot, for which theshoes are supplied.

It has been found in certain cases where structural peculiarities of thefoot existed that the fixed elevation 9 was too far forward, or too farback, to suit the particular foot being fitted. Also, it has beenthought that the fixed support has been somewhat positive or harsh uponthe foot when worn.

When such conditions arise, the cushion l 0 is installed upon the insolell of the shoe, the socklining being lifted to expose the insole andmetatarsal elevation 9.

As seen best in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing, the cushion II) has aconcave section l3 preferably shaped to fit upon and over the elevation9.

The cushion I0 is further provided with a thickened portion M at therear of the concave section IS. The effect of the portion I4 is totransfer the height or apex of the metatarsal support toward the heel ofthe shoe to accommodate 5 the foot requiring such rearrangement.

The cushion I0 is preferably constructed of resilient material such as apliable rubber. The rubber is molded to provide feathered edges [5 whichwhen supplied with the necessary adhesive 10 will lie snugly andpermanently upon the insole of the shoe.

When the cushion l 0 has been secured in position on the insole l I, thesock-lining I2 is drawn over to conceal the same. 15

The cushions Ill are preferably purveyed as articles of merchandisewhich may be applied in service by the purchaser without recourse to theshoe mechanic or factory. 20

It will be understood that while in the accompanying drawing thethickened portion I4 is shown as located at the rear of the concavesection l3, the cushion may be furnished with a thickened portionforward of the concave portion l3 and. at.25 varying distancestherefrom. In this manner, provision is made for altering the positionof the metatarsal support in fitting feet of different structurerequiring the same size of shoe with varying length of shank portionthereof.

I claim:

An auxiliary device as characterized having a body adapted to fit Withina shoe and particularly the shank portion thereof, the forward end ofsaid body having a concave section adapted to fit over 35 and upon anupstanding metatarsal pad, and a convex section extended from the upperside of said body and. at the rear of said concave section, said convexsection being shaped in correspondence with said metatarsal pad andadapted for 40 lengthwise adjustment thereon.

ALEXANDER SMITH, JR.

